The Strength Coach Podcast

In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, Mark Fisher joins host Anthony Renna to break down how artificial intelligence is changing the way smart gym owners operate their businesses. From saving hours every week to improving decision making and marketing execution, Mark explains how even small technical shifts can create massive material gains over the course of a year.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off Mini-bands and Superbands and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.Mark Fisher, co-founder of Business for Unicorns, shares how top fitness professionals are using AI tools to work smarter, not harder. While AI may feel overhyped in the short term, Mark explains why it is still one of the most powerful tools gym owners can adopt to create long-term growth.In this conversation, Mark and Anthony explore practical ways gym owners can use AI today. From generating marketing first drafts to analyzing complex financial statements and insurance paperwork, AI can function like a pocket expert that helps business owners troubleshoot problems faster and make more informed decisions.Beyond the technology, the discussion also highlights the timeless fundamentals of building a great fitness business. Mark explains why visiting other gyms is still one of the most powerful learning tools available and why successful multi-location owners tend to focus on operational excellence rather than flashy marketing tactics.Whether you are a solo personal trainer or running multiple gym locations, this episode delivers practical insights on leveraging technology while staying grounded in the fundamentals of great coaching and business leadership.KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:-Why AI might feel overhyped but still delivers long-term business advantages-Practical ways gym owners can use AI for marketing and operations-The difference between automation, delegation, and artificial intelligence-Using AI to analyze financial documents and complex business systems-Why visiting other gyms is still one of the best learning strategies-The realities of scaling to multiple gym locationsWant to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE-https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-bookBook a free 10-minute intro call HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstormFollow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeingCHAPTERS:0:00 Intro and the Truth About AI for Gym Owners3:45 The Power of In-Person Connections and Gym Visits8:15 Why Networking Still Beats Digital Bits12:30 Automations vs Delegations vs AI16:10 Using AI for First Drafts and Marketing20:45 ChatGPT vs Claude for Fitness Professionals24:20 AI as a Strategy Analysis Tool28:50 Personal AI Use Cases for Health and Finance32:15 Troubleshooting Your Life with a Pocket Expert36:40 Budgeting for AI and Choosing Your Models40:20 Synthesizing Data and Summarizing Systems44:10 Scaling to Multiple Locations The Boring Basics48:30 Lessons from Closing a Gym Location51:45 Conclusion and ResourcesWant more coaching insights?Check out STRENGTHCOACH.COM and MBSC.TV for a 7-day free trial. Join the community and take your coaching to the next level with resources from the top experts in the industry.Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Strength Coach Podcast!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OR A LEADER IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY? In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle joins Anthony Renna to dive deep into why being evidence-based might be holding you back and why Zone 2 Cardio is currently the most overrated trend online. We explore the balance between scientific research and real-world coaching experience to help you become a better trainer, therapist, or business owner.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence. Coach Boyle shares his take on the limitations of the evidence-based crowd and explains why innovation often happens in the gym long before the studies are published. We also discuss the practical use of isometrics and how a simple belt strap can transform your summer programming for athletes and general population clients alike. Plus, Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns joins us to talk about marketing for gym owners who are struggling with stalled growth.KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:-Why Zone 2 is the overrated darling of the internet-The difference between being evidence-based and being a follower-Marketing strategies for gym owners and the importance of a time audit-Programming isometrics using the Zero RM ISO belt strap- News on the MBSC Spring Seminar and hockey performance insightsWant to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates3:20 Fitness Business Power Play: Stalled Growth7:15 MBSC Spring Seminar and BU Hockey Talk11:45 Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Darling of the Internet16:00 The Truth About Being Evidence-Based21:30 Innovation vs Following the Research26:10 Rethinking Squats and Unilateral Training30:00 How to Properly Read and Filter Research34:20 Using the Zero RM ISO Belt Strap37:45 Programming Yielding and Overcoming Isometrics39:58 ConclusionWant More Coaching Insights? Check out STRENGTHCOACH.COM and MBSC.TV for a 7-day free trial. Join the community and take your coaching to the next level with resources from the top experts in the industry.Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Strength Coach Podcast! 

Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast, “Becoming the Unshakeable Female Athlete” is out.Female athletes face a significantly higher risk of ACL tears compared to their male counterparts, but physiological differences are only part of the story. In this episode, we explore the shocking training gap that leaves young women vulnerable to injury and discuss actionable strategies to keep them safe on the field. Discover how to shift the focus from early specialization to long-term athletic development and build unshakable confidence.Welcome to Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast with your host Anthony Renna.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence. Today we are joined by Justin Kegley, performance coach and founder of Movement Fitness. Justin recently released his new book “Becoming the Unshakable Female Athlete”, available in dedicated versions for both parents and athletes. We dive deep into why female athletes are still seeing a rise in ACL injuries. We examine physiological factors like the Q-angle and joint laxity, combined with the heavy loads of modern club sports. Shockingly, while 50 percent of male varsity athletes are required to strength train, only 9 percent of female athletes have the same requirement. We discuss how neuromuscular training can close this gap, maximize performance, and dramatically reduce injury risk.Check out BusinessForUnicorns.com for free resources designed for gym owners and personal trainers.If you found this episode valuable, please hit the like button and subscribe to the channel for more professional strength and conditioning insights. Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway on youth athlete development, and share this video with a parent or coach who needs to hear this important message.

Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out. This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.**Highlights of the episode:**-  The evolution of training for Olympic athletes, especially in women's hockey before and after the PWHL launch.-  How consistency in training has been the foundation for athletes like Angela Ruggiero and Hilary Knight.- Practical tips for creating effective training programs that balance accountability and year-round conditioning.-  The role of on-ice and off-ice testing in athlete development.-  Insights on lactate workouts, their relevance beyond track athletes, and how to adapt them for team sports.-  A fun look at how the women's hockey game has evolved globally, with increased competition and talent.We also dive into fitness business tips with Mark Fisher, who shares strategies for boosting sales without being pushy. Plus, learn how to help clients connect with their deeper fitness goals to achieve long-term success!Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)----------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for tuning in! Hit that play button to discover how training like an Olympian starts with consistency and ends with extraordinary results. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:38 - Mark Fisher Insights07:08 - Coach Boyle Techniques09:54 - Training Olympians Effectively12:44 - Consistency in Training Importance14:44 - Professional Women's Hockey Growth16:38 - Evolving Game Strategies18:58 - Future of Women's Hockey Development21:00 - Lactate Workouts- 23 Second Drill Overview25:40 - Aerodyne Sprints Benefits29:06 - Targeting Lower Abs Exercises33:09 - Recovery Position Techniques

Episode 432 of the Strength Coach Podcast Brought to You by Perform Better Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Coach Mike Boyle. They spoke about why terminology matters, new training strategies, and practical advice to help coaches and trainers level up their craft. Plus, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the importance of functional anatomy in athletic performance. Highlights of the episode include:  - The ongoing debate: Does rotary power come from the hips or the ground?  - Why anti-rotation exercises play a smart role in core training and how they fit the bigger picture.  - Glute activation insights sparked by toe wedges – are they worth it?  - Sled sprints vs. hill sprints – breaking down their effectiveness for athletes.  - Naming exercises correctly: Addressing confusion around jumps, hops, bounds, and more.  - For the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play, Mark Fisher is on to talk about Getting More Leads Without Paid ads To sign up for the complementary Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on How the Best Gym Owners Use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-aiThis episode is packed with actionable strategies and fresh insights for strength coaches, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Thanks for listening, and don’t miss out on the full episode!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:33 - Mark Fisher’s Getting More Leads Tips09:50 - Coaches Corner with Mike Boyle12:56 - Anti-Rotation Exercises Explained26:23 - Big Toe Wedge Benefits31:30 - Hill Sprints vs Weighted Sled35:45 - Exercise Naming 41:15 - Importance of Terminology

Episode 431 of the Strength Coach Podcast, features Dr. Haley Perlus, a PhD in sport and exercise psychology and author of "Personal Podium." Brought to you by Perform Better, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights to help you optimize your mental game.Dr. Perlus breaks down how biology, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected, offering strategies to align them for optimal results. Plus, hear fascinating stories from sports legends like the 1980 Olympic hockey team and Eric Heiden, bringing real-life applications to the discussion.Highlights of the episode:- Dr. Perlus talks about reframing anxiety as energy to fuel peak performance and shares practical tools to help athletes and professionals manage pressure effectively.- We spoke about mental blocks, what they are, and how to overcome them to achieve fluid performance.- Changing your relationship with pressure: Learn why pressure isn't the enemy but an invitation to thrive.- Working with injured athletes: Tips for managing expectations and building resilience for a successful comeback.- A fresh perspective on mental toughness and how to achieve it without relying solely on external motivators.- Insights into why tracking devices should complement, not replace, self-awareness and evaluation in training and recovery.- Mark Fisher will give us some tips on using Instagram on the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power PlayTo sign up for the Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-aiThis episode also features updates on Perform Better's Functional Training Summits and resources for trainers and gym owners.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).Thanks for listening! Tune in to gain valuable tools and techniques to reframe anxiety, turn pressure into performance, and elevate your mental game.CHAPTERS:01:20 - Intro03:15 - Business of Unicorns - Fitness Business Power Play10:59 - How Our Thoughts Impact Performance14:12 - Overcoming Mental Blocks21:47 - Embracing Pressure as an Opportunity24:34 - Identifying Performance Cues25:44 - The Miracle on Ice: Leveraging Pressure30:40 - Strategies for Managing Pressure34:55 - Supporting Injured Athletes39:55 - Challenging Yourself for Growth43:10 - Importance of Performance Tracking44:52 - Balancing Trackers and Self-Awareness48:35 - Developing Mental Toughness51:04 - Mastering Emotional Control55:40 - Overview of “Personal Podium”56:05 - Optimizing Mindset for Peak Performance57:54 - Thank You

Welcome to Episode 430 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation! In this episode, host Anthony Renna talks to Mike Boyle about "Manipulation of Information" when it comes to research, continuing the discussion about Adults Lifting Heavy.Highlights of the episode:- We spoke about adults lifting heavy weights, focusing on safety, risks, and misconceptions, particularly for older adults and females.- Coach Boyle shares insights into the controversy surrounding lifting heavy and addresses the importance of context, demographics, and safe programming.- A chat about injury statistics, research reliability, and why experience matters when addressing training approaches for different populations.- Hear how social media impacts perspectives in the fitness world and the role of semantics in the ongoing debate.- Mark Fisher discusses artificial intelligence and its implications for fitness businesses.To sign up for the Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-aiThis episode also features updates on Perform Better's Functional Training Summits and resources for trainers and gym owners. Don't miss this engaging discussion filled with actionable tips and fresh perspectives.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).Thanks for listening, and be sure to watch the full episode to learn more about lifting heavy safely and effectively!----------------------------------------------------------------------To sign up for Business for Unicorn’s Feb 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-aiWant to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)----------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:00 - Business for Unicorns Insights with Mark Fisher06:20 - Coach Boyle's Training Philosophy11:54 - Creating Controversy for Audience Engagement17:48 - One Rep Max Testing Research for Older Adults21:00 - Injury Prevalence in Fitness23:28 - Strategies for Engagement25:40 - Finding the Balance in Coaching28:24 - Understanding Reps31:00 - Career Paths for Personal Trainers and Strength Coaches34:35 - Mike Boyle's Learning Journey38:20 - Benefits of Social Media in Fitness38:50 - Contrarian Views39:28 - Coach Boyle Back on Twitter 

Welcome to Episode 429 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about ithe year in review, his thoughts on the future in the fitness business, lifting heavy with adults & the Goldilocks Affect for Injuries as it relates to Training Loads and Sprinting Volume. Highlights of the episode include:- We talk about any changes from last year or even the year before, and what has “stuck”- Expanding on weighted sprints- how, why & when- Thoughts about what’s coming in fitness, including people taking control of their own health- We revisited the Adults lifting Heavy posts he has on Instagram- How to use the Goldilocks principle to “get things just right” in programming- Goal setting tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher.  He lays out his framework for setting goals and you can get his full framework free by emailing him at [email protected] to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).----------------------------------------------------------------------Get Mark’s complete framework for Goal Setting- email him at [email protected] to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)----------------------------------------------------------------------Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!

In Episode 428 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna chats with Scott Leech, Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Rhode Island, to explore game-changing strategies for coaches, trainers, and athletes. The focus is on High School but Episode 428 is for everyone, packed with insights to help you rethink your approach to training and athlete development.Highlights of the episode:- Scott talks about why prioritizing speed, power, and jump training is replacing outdated max-effort lifts.- A chat on programming smarter workouts and what strength coaches should subtract for better results.- Insights on developing high school strength coaching programs with limited resources.- How contact prep programs improve athlete confidence and safety in off-season training.- Exploring bilateral vs. unilateral work, and why Olympic lifts might not be essential for everyone.- A special discussion on IU football’s shortened practice approach and its impact on performance.- Brought to you by Perform Better, offering 20% off bands and tubing products—check them out today at www.PerformBetter.com!We also dive into how Scott’s Gridiron Warrior platform is helping coaches elevate their training systems, plus tips for leveraging education and creativity to optimize training without breaking the bank.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale- 20% off bands and tubing products!Thanks for listening! Engage with this episode and get ready to rethink strength training for smarter, more effective results.----------------------------------------------------------------------Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)----------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:20 - Maximizing the Member Experience, with Naamly08 :20- Scott Leech interview10:25- What’s Wrong with High School S&C?14:37 - Importance of Subtraction in Training17:10 - Strength Coaches' Essential Practices19:31 - Coaching High School Coaches Effectively23:10 - Contact Preparation Techniques27:33 - Less is More Philosophy in Training31:58 - Educating High School Coaches37:15 - Benefits of Single Leg Training40:38 - Speed and Explosiveness vs. Heavy Lifting42:40 - Incorporating Olympic Lifts45:18 - Financial Success as a Strength Coach50:39 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome54:00 - Gridiron Warrior Insiders Insights

Welcome to Episode 427 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about impactful coaching techniques and shares insights to help trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners elevate their practice. Highlights of the episode include:- A chat about lifting heavy with adult female clients, addressing misconceptions and promoting safer, smarter alternatives.- John Wooden's 'Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This’ coaching method and why it's a game-changer for visual learners.- Being Contrarian- is it always bad?- Breaking down the debate of "exercise vs. pattern"—what truly matters for effective training.- Business tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher on humility, behavior change, and optimizing your environment for success. **Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat!  Details are in the segment!Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!----------------------------------------------------------------------**Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat!  Details are in the segment!Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)------------------------------------------------------------------------------Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:11 - Business for Unicorn’s Segment10:02 - Coach Boyle's Segment11:30 - Wooden’s “Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This” Coaching15:22 - Importance of Reps Near Failure19:13 - RPE for Advanced Lifters26:53 - Embracing Contrarian Views31:14 - The Business of Training35:48 - Exercise vs. Movement Patterns39:22 - Misjudging Client Needs40:35 - Elderly Mobility Training42:47 - Conclusion and Wrap-Up